Overview

Author

William Shakespeare

Years Written

1605–06

Type

Play

Genre

Tragedy

About the Title

Shakespeare took the title from an earlier anonymous play, The True Chronicle History of King Leir and His Three Daughters, Gonerill, Ragan and Cordelia, which was also a source of the story. The source play was performed as early as 1594.

Summary

This study guide and infographic for William Shakespeare's King Lear offer summary and analysis on themes, symbols, and other literary devices found in the text. Explore Course Hero's library of literature materials, including documents, Q&A pairs, and flashcards created by students and educators.